What is Speech and Debate?

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Speech and debate is an academic activity typically available to students in middle school, high school, and/or college. It is also the largest academic competitive activity in the country surpassing the National Spelling Bee. Similar to athletic sports, speech and debate activities are challenging, competitive in nature, and require regular practice, coaching, dedication, and hard work. Each event in speech and debate features a different form of public speaking and requires a unique skill set and talent. While students often develop a passion for specific events, many compete in multiple categories throughout the course of their academic careers.